Palos Verdes Half Marathon

After I completed the San Francisco half marathon ( a notoriously hilly course) I knew it would be best to focus on running uphills in preparation for Palos Verdes.

I dedicated a few training runs to sprinting uphill and doing moderate tempo runs on inclines.

On race day morning the weather was perfect. It wasn’t too hot or too cold.

I started off running at an average pace of 9:00-9:45 per mile for the first 6 miles. After starting off too fast in San Francisco, I learned to slow it down the first half and then give it my all in the second half.

I also learned the importance of controlling my breathing when going up hills and inclines. I knew that my pace would slow down when I went up, so I recovered when I went down hill and sped up when the course flattened out.

The course was so beautiful that it made the hills less painful. Miles 6, 9 and 10 were a challenge for me nonetheless. I reached max elevation of 750 feet during the run. Instead of focusing on the pain and discomfort. I enjoyed my music and the impeccable surroundings.

I gave the last mile of the race all I had. It was tough because there was one last hill at mile 12.5. I kept repeating to myself “You CAN do it, it’s almost over”. I pushed hard and finished strong.

I finished my 5th half marathon in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 21 seconds. I placed #13 in my age group. I didn’t set a new record and I was ok with that. The goals during this race were to keep running up the hills, enjoy the run and do the best I could. I’m grateful to have accomplished all of those goals.

The race was extremely organized. I loved the post race food, beverages, entertainment and race recovery. As an ambassador for the LaceUp Running Series, I was so proud of the turn out. I was also so happy to have had my mom there and my running friends.

I’m looking forward to my last race of the Lexus Lace Up Running Series on December 3rd in Riverside, CA.